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potentail 55gal reef build

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hi everyone i'm thinking about turning a 55gal glass aquarium (can't drill it) Into a reefwith posibly a few fish. What all would I need minimum before I could even think about putting coral inside the tank and what kind of filtration should I use? I've only have had experience to canisters and only with tropical fresh water tanks ( I have a 110gal wide, cichlid tank). thx for any help you can offer this salt water nubie

If you take your time to do the research FIRST, you can successfully set-up and keep ANY type of aquarium with ease."Not using a quarantine tank is like playing Russian roulette. Nobody wins the game, some people just get to play longer than others." - Anthony CalfoFishless CycleCycling with FishMarine Aquarium Info [URL="http://saltwater.aquaticcommunity.com/"]

Plan it right and you will have a great tank... plan it wrong and it will be a money pit.
Sump, LR, skimmer and reef lighting. Plus, test kits for ca, mg, nh3, no3 and ph. Then if the reef is using the elements you will need to dose the elements.

The key to it all is lots of research and understanding what each piece of the puzzle does.

The key to it all is lots of research and understanding what each piece of the puzzle does.[/QUOTE]
^^^^That is the key ^^^^

I started my reef in a 55 gallon. I wish I had gone to a wider tank. The stand for a normal 55 gallon will limit the size of sump one can have underneath the tank. I found a 16 gallon tall which I made into a sump for my skimmer but a 75 gallon would have been so much better. Using an overflow box(which I do) isn't as nice as having a canister or HOB or drilled tank. The stuff just doesn't get sucked away with an over flow box.
Live rock rules. Taking your time is a must. My head is still spinning with all the info I'm taking in on my current set-up.